Potential Apoptotic Activities of Hylocereus undatus Peel and Pulp Extracts in MCF-7 and Caco-2 Cancer Cell Lines

A multidisciplinary approach to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Arbutus pavarii Pampan fruit; in vitro and in Vivo biological evaluations, and in silico investigations

The Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

A new nano approach to prevent tumor growth in the local treatment of glioblastoma: Temozolomide and rutin-loaded hybrid layered composite nanofiber

Total resection of glioblastoma (GB) tumors is nearly impossible, and systemic administration of temozolomide (TMZ) is often inadequate. This study presents a hybrid layered composite nanofiber mesh (LHN) designed for localized treatment in GB tumor bed. The LHN, consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and core-shell polylactic acid layers, was loaded with TMZ and rutin. In vitro analysis revealed that LHNTMZ and LHNrutin decelerated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and growth of stem-like cells, while the combination, LHNTMZ +rutin, significantly reduced sphere size compared to untreated and LHNTMZ-treated cells (P < 0.0001). In an orthotopic C6-induced GB rat model, LHNTMZ +rutin therapy demonstrated a more pronounced tumor-reducing effect than LHNTMZ alone. Tumor volume, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly reduced in LHNTMZ +rutin-treated rats compared to untreated controls. Structural changes in tumor mitochondria, reduced membrane potential, and decreased PARP expression indicated the activation of apoptotic pathways in tumor cells, which was further confirmed by a reduction in PHH3, indicating decreased mitotic activity of tumor cells. Additionally, the local application of LHNs in the GB model mitigated aggressive tumor features without causing local tissue inflammation or adverse systemic effects. This was evidenced by a decrease in the angiogenesis marker CD31, the absence of inflammation or necrosis in H&E staining of the cerebellum, increased production of IFN-γ, decreased levels of interleukin-4 in splenic T cells, and lower serum AST levels. Our findings collectively indicate that LHNTMZ +rutin is a promising biocompatible model for the local treatment of GB.

The Profile of Phenolic Compounds Identified in Pitaya Fruits, Health Effects, and Food Applications: An Integrative Review

OBJECTIVE

This integrative review aimed to identify the phenolic compounds present in pitayas (dragon fruit).

METHODS

We employed a comprehensive search strategy, encompassing full-text articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from databases indexed in ScienceDirect, Capes Periodics, Scielo, and PubMed. The study's selection was guided by the question, "What are the main phenolic compounds found in pitaya fruits?".

RESULTS

After screening 601 papers, 57 met the inclusion criteria. The identified phytochemicals have been associated with a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, they exhibit promising applications in the management of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. These 57 studies encompassed various genera, including Hylocereus, Selenicereus, and Stenocereus. Notably, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus emerged as the most extensively characterized species regarding polyphenol content. Analysis revealed that flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and rutin, were the predominant phenolic class within the pulp and peel of these fruits. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives, especially chlorogenic acid, caffeic, protocatechuic, synaptic, and ellagic acid, were frequently reported. Furthermore, betalains, specifically betacyanins, were identified, contributing to the characteristic purplish-red color of the pitaya peel and pulp. These betalains hold significant potential as natural colorants in the food industry.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the different pitayas have promising sources for the extraction of pigments for incorporation in the food industry. We recommend further studies investigate their potential as nutraceuticals.

Unraveling the therapeutic potential of Satureja nabateorum extract: inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through p53, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in human malignant cell lines, with in silico insights

Satureja nabateorum, known as Nabatean savory is a Lamiaceae plant native to the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to investigate the phytochemical components of the S. nabateorum leaves (SNL) and stems (SNS) extract and to assess their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties. Methanol extracts from leaves and stems were analyzed for chemical constituents using the GC-MS technique. Antioxidant capacities were measured using hydrogen peroxide and ABTS radical-scavenging methods, and antimicrobial activity was tested against various microorganisms. Cytotoxic activity on four human malignant cell lines was assessed using MTT and flow cytometry. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies were conducted to understand the interactions and binding modes of the extracted compounds at a molecular level. GC-MS analysis of SNL extract revealed thymol, carvacrol, and p-cymen-8-ol as major constituents. SNS extract contained β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol, and lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol. SNS extract exhibited more potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects than SNL extract. The extract, SNS, exhibited potential toxicity in A549 cells with an IC50 value of 3.62 µg/mL and induced marked apoptotic effects with S phase-cell cycle arrest. SNS extract also showed higher levels of Caspase 3, Bax, p53, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and lower levels of Bcl-2. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation supported these findings, targeting the EGFR TK domain. The study suggests that the S. nabateorum stem extract holds promise as a potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. It provides valuable insights for considering the extract as a substitute for chemotherapy and/or protective agents.

Phytochemical composition, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in silico docking properties of Tamarix tetragyna L

Tamarix tetragyna is a plant grows in Mediterranean area and some Arab countries. It possesses numerous medicinal values. Purpose of our study is to explore biological activity of tamarix tetragyna extracts of both leaves and stem with investigating their phytochemical composition. The investigated extracts' phyto-constituent composition was determined using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method. In addition, in vitro cytoxicity activity versus cancer cell lines such MCF-7, HepG-2, HCT-116, and A-549 was examined by MTT assay method, together with exploring its apoptosis effect by flow cytometry and western blot analysis techniques. Moreover, some phytochemical compounds were identified, and in-silico evaluated against anticancer molecular targets. Plant extracts showed good cytotoxic activity against both A-549 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. With an IC50 value of 23.90 µg/ml that led to apoptosis and G2/M-phase arrest in A-549 cells, cytotoxicity data demonstrate leaves' extract effectiveness against these cells. Upon GC-MS analysis, it revealed presence of some bioactive components such as Stigmast-5-en-3-ol and 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, which are known for their cytotoxic activity. Our findings suggest that methanolic extracts of Tamarix tetragyna parts may have potential therapeutic uses as anticancer against A-549 cells, which opens up further avenues for investigation into its industrial applications.

Phytochemicals from Cactaceae family for cancer prevention and therapy

Cancer is a global health issue, increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of mortality. Despite extensive research, conventional treatments remain aggressive, often damaging healthy cells, and exhibit limited efficacy. Addressing drug resistance and enhancing treatment effectiveness are critical challenges in advancing cancer therapy. This review examines the potential of natural plant compounds, particularly phytochemicals and their derivatives, in developing novel anticancer agents. These metabolites have a long history in traditional medicine, with 42% of molecules approved for cancer treatment between 1981 and 2019 being either natural products or derivatives. The Cactaceae family, which comprises more than 1,500 species, represents a largely untapped source of potentially useful chemopreventive and anticancer agents. Although more than 3,000 plants and their derivatives have contributed to chemotherapeutic development, cactus species have received limited attention until recently. Emerging evidence highlights the anticancer potential of fruits, stems, and cladodes from various cactus species. This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of experimental studies on Cactaceae in cancer research, aiming to pave the way for the development of innovative, natural cancer therapeutics and contribute to the ongoing battle against this formidable disease.

GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, and apoptotic-based cytotoxic effect of Caladium lindenii Madison extracts toward the HeLa cervical cancer cell line

Utilizing medicinal plants and other natural resources to prevent different types of human cancers is the prime focus of attention. Cervical cancer in women ranks as the fourth most common type of malignancy. The current study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the active phytochemical constituents from Caladium lindenii leaf extracts using ethanol (ECL) and n-hexane (HCL) solvents. Plant extracts were tested for potential cytotoxic effects on HeLa and HEK-293 T cells using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) and the crystal violet assays. SYBR Green-based real-time PCR was performed to assess the mRNA expression profile of the apoptosis biomarkers (BCL-2 and TP53). The molecular interaction of the compounds with the targeted proteins (TP53, BCL2, EGFR, and HER2) was determined using molecular docking. GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 93 compounds in both extracts. The ECL extract significantly reduced the proliferation of HeLa cervical cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 40 µg/mL, while HEK-293 T cells showed less effect (IC50 = 226 µg/mL). The quantitative RT-PCR gene expression analysis demonstrated the ethanol extract regulated TP53 and BCL2 mRNA expressions in treated cancer cell samples. Heptanediamide, N,N'-di-benzoyloxy-(- 10.1) is the best-docked ligand with a TP53 target found in the molecular docking study, whereas EGFR/Clionasterol had the second highest binding affinity (- 9.7), followed by EGFR/Cycloeucalenol (- 9.6). It is concluded that ECL extract has promising anti-cervical cancer potential and might be valued for developing new plant-derived anticancer agents after further investigations.

A comparative study on biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from H. undatus fruit peel and their therapeutic applications

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) gained significant impacts in various fields due to the use of eco-friendly approaches. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the aqueous extract of Hylocereus undatus fruit peel. The presence of AgNPs was analysed using characterization methods such as UV‒Vis, FTIR, GCMS, XRD, EDAX, and FESEM. The synthesized AgNPs showed greater antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli than against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The antifungal activity against Candida albicans was greater than that against Candida tropicalis. The IC50 value for the antibiofilm activity of the AgNPs was 2.81 µg/mL, whereas that of the H. undatus peel extract was 1.34 µg/mL. The invitro antioxidant activity of the AgNPs was evaluated using two different methods. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the AgNPs and fruit peel extract was observed with IC50 values of 3.8 and 2.03 µg/mL respectively. On the other hand, nitric oxide radical scavenging activities were recorded and the IC50 values were calculated to be 2.8 and 2.3 µg/mL. The AgNPs demonstrated thrombolytic activity in human blood with 10, 32.36, and 56.25% lysis. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs was minimal, with an IC50 of 0.2 µg/mL and the peel extract had the greatest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 0.3 µg/mL. The findings of this study demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs from H. undatus peel extract could be potential candidates for treating prostate cancer.

Polyphenol Fingerprint, Biological Activities, and In Silico Studies of the Medicinal Plant Cistus parviflorus L. Extract

Cistus parviflorus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant with several folkloric applications, including being used for urinary tract infections and as a food additive. In this study, the polyphenolic diversity and the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of the C. parviflorus methanolic extract were evaluated. Spectrophotometric and HPLC-based analyses using standard polyphenolic compounds were conducted to measure the phenolics and flavonoids in the plant extract. The in vitro DPPH, ORAC, FRAP, and α-glucosidase assays were used to evaluate the plant's antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, disc diffusion and MIC-based microdilution tests were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant against broad-spectrum microorganisms. The analysis revealed the existence of high phenolic and flavonoid quantities that were measured at 302.59 ± 0.6 μg GAE and 134.3 ± 0.5 μg RE, respectively. The HPLC-based analysis revealed the existence of 18 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids. The major phenolic acid was ellagic acid (169.03 ppm), while catechin was the major flavonoid (91.80 ppm). Remarkable antioxidant activity was measured using three different assays: DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP. Furthermore, strong inhibition of α-glucosidase compared to acarbose was recorded for the plant extract (IC50 0.924 ± 0.6). The results showed that C. parviflorus's extract had a strong anti-Escherichia coli effect with MIC value of 0.98 μg\mL and IZD value of 32.2 ± 0.58 mm compared to 25.3 ± 0.18 mm for gentamycin, the positive control. Moreover, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium all showed significant growth inhibition in response to the extract, a result that may be related to the use of the plant in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections. The docking study indicated the higher binding affinity of the major identified compounds, i.e., ellagic acid, rutin, naringin, catechin, and punicalagin, to the S. aureus gyrase-DNA complex, which might suggest the possible mechanisms of the plant as antimicrobial agents.

Novel landmarks on the journey from natural products to pharmaceutical formulations: Phytochemical, biological, toxicological and computational activities of Satureja hortensis L

This study examined the ethanolic extract of the Satureja hortensis L. plant's aerial parts to describe its phytochemical makeup, biological functions, toxicity tests, and in-silico molecular docking tests. The GC-MS analysis was used to evaluate the phytochemical composition of the tested extract, and the ABTS and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant assays were used to measure antioxidant activity. Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris were tested for antimicrobial potential. On cell lines such as HepG-2, MCF-7, A-549, and Panc-1, the in-vitro toxicity was also examined. The A-549 cell line was also used for flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle. Additionally, the compounds discovered by the GC-MS analysis were used in silico tests against biological targets. Eight different phytocompounds were tentatively identified as a result of the GC-MS analysis. The compounds also demonstrated significant antioxidant potential for the ABTS and H2O2 assays (IC50: 2.44 and 28.04 μg/ml, respectively). The tested extract was found to have a range of inhibition zones and to be significantly active against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis for the A-549 cell line showed that the cell cycle was arrested at S-phase, and the extract was also found to be most active against this cell line with an IC50 value of 113.05 μg/ml. The docking studies have emphasized the compounds' interactions and binding scores with the EGFR-TK target as determined by the GC-MS.

Biflavonoid quercetin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities via modulation of inflammatory cytokines, brain neurotransmitters, and astrocyte immunoreactivity

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide use has been associated with increased oxidative stress in cells and tissues. Quercetin's antioxidative properties make it of potential benefit in such conditions of oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

To assess quercetin's ability to mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities in rats.

METHODS

Sixty rats were assigned into six groups. Groups A and D served as normal and cyclophosphamide control and were fed standard rat chow, groups B and E were fed quercetin supplemented diet (100 mg/kg of feed), while those in groups C and F were fed quercetin at 200 mg/kg of feed. Groups A-C received intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline on days 1 and 2, while D-F received ip cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg/day on days 1 and 2). On day 21, behavioural tests were carried out, animals were sacrificed and blood samples taken. Organs were processed for histological study.

RESULTS

Quercetin reversed cyclophosphamide-induced decrease in body weight, food intake and total antioxidant capacity, and increase in lipid peroxidation (p = 0.001), It also reversed derangement in levels of liver transaminase, urea, creatinine and proinflammatory cytokines (p = 0.001). Improvement in working-memory and anxiety-related behaviours were also observed. Finally, quercetin reversed alterations in levels of acetylcholine, dopamine and brain-derived neurotropic factor (p = 0.021); while reducing serotonin levels and astrocyte immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

Quercetin shows significant ability to protect against cyclophosphamide-induced changes in rats.

Neuroprotective Effect of Methanolic Ajwa Seed Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation: In Vivo, Molecular Docking and Dynamics Studies

Islamic literature has indicated that daily consumption of Ajwa dates heals a variety of chronic diseases and disorders. The current research investigates the neuroprotective effect of methanolic Ajwa seed extract (MASE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive deficits using multiple approaches. For animal studies, MASE (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated for thirty consecutive days, and four doses of LPS (250 µg/kg, i.p.) were injected to induce neurotoxicity. Memory functions were evaluated using elevated plus-maze and novel object recognition tests. Acetylcholine (ACh) and neuroinflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1) were estimated in brain tissues. Studies of molecular docking and dynamics were conducted to provide insight into the molecular-level mechanisms. MASE administration resulted in a significant reversal of LPS-induced memory impairment in both maze models. Both doses of MASE elevated the ACh levels in an LPS-treated rat brain. In addition, the extract lowered COX-2 and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1) in LPS-treated brain tissues. Molecular modeling results revealed that the compound's ellagic acid, epicatechin, catechin, kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin have the potential to act as a dual inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and COX-2 and can be responsible for the improvement of both cholinergic and inflammatory conditions, while the cinnamic acid, hesperidin, hesperetin, narengin, and rutin compounds are responsible only for the improvement of cholinergic transmission. The above compounds acted by interacting with the key residues Trp84, Asp72, Gly118, Ser200, Tyr334, and His440, which are responsible for the hydrolysis of ACh in AChE, while the COX-2 is inhibited by interacting with the residues (Val349, Leu352, Tyr355, Tyr385, Ala527, Ser530, and Leu531) of the hydrophobic channel. By promoting cholinergic activity and protecting neuroinflammation in the rat brain, MASE provides neuroprotection against LPS-induced cognitive deficits. Our preliminary findings will help with further drug discovery processes related to neuroinflammation-related neurodegeneration.

Spectral characterization and biological evaluation of biomolecules from the peels of three orange fruits: a comparative study

The present work was designed to investigate the presence of bioactive chemicals in the reaction mixtures (RMs) of peels of Valencia, Mandarin, and African navel oranges, through GC-MS and FT-IR studies. Limonene, a unique compound, is present in the RMs of the three orange peels. Moreover, hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester was identified in the RMs of all the three-orange peels. The RM of Mandarin orange exhibited potent cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 ATCC human breast cancer cells (HBC). All the three RMs exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against the human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Salmonella choleraesis (ATCC 10708), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 299).